One thing that has kept my eyes open as I explore Phuket, Thailand is my Instagram about street art. (tonyatakesthailand) I am constantly on the lookout for any street art or art publicly displayed. I have come to recognize the hand of locals Amann #amann_inkspiration and Kilombu. #island_of_kilombu
Seeking new art stopped me yesterday in Patong to take a photo. I knew these murals existed since Tiffani was out visiting, but I hadn’t taken the opportunity to wander over to take the shot. When I did, I also stumbled across this amazing restaurant that was FILLED with art. Was a fantastic venue! The woman working there turned on the lights to the other private rooms so I could take a look. Place was wrongfully empty. I hope in high season this place gets more appreciation.
“Art washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life.” ― Pablo Picasso
Ceiling fully painted with art displayed along all the walls.
The detail of these murals will keep you staring and discovering for hours. And even then I bet you would not see it all.
I would love to know what inspired these.
Attempt to capture a close up look at some details.
The abstract pictures along the wall are completely embroidered. The appreciation for art in Phuket is a wonderful surprise!
Check out the detail of this close up shot!
“Art and love are the same thing: It’s the process of seeing yourself in things that are not you.” ― Chuck Klosterman
Such character!
I wonder if anyone has ever covered the art here in Phuket. I feel this is something that I would never have known about had I not opened my eyes to it. Sharing it will hopefully help get the word out about the creative Thai culture which deserves appreciation from the world.
Well we know where we’re going But we don’t know where we’ve been And we know what we’re knowing But we can’t say what we’ve seen And we’re not little children And we know what we want And the future is certain Give us time to work it outYeahWe’re on a road to nowhere Come on inside Taking that ride to nowhere We’ll take that ride I’m feeling okay this morning And you know We’re on the road to paradise Here we go, here we goWe’re on a ride to nowhere Come on inside Taking that ride to nowhere We’ll take that ride Maybe you wonder where you are I don’t care Here is where time is on our side Take you there, take you thereWe’re on a road to nowhere We’re on a road to nowhere We’re on a road to nowhereThere’s a city in my mind Come along and take that ride And it’s…
This song was streaming through my head as I decided to explore a road by my condo that I’ve always wondered where it went. As usual, I loved my adventure. Curiosity led me down an unused paved road with very few homes and a lot of natural beauty.
I don’t know. It never occurred to me that this road would be paved and yet not lead anywhere.
I stopped to take a photo of this house and the dogs thought I was there to see them. They got up and started coming toward me. They looked friendly enough, but I didn’t chance it and took off.
My dream home. Minus the bugs and snakes which I am sure are a common occurrence.
Yellow sign translates to “field of view, slow down”
The end of my trip. Can’t wait to see if they ever get back to it and continue the road through the mountains. The road was about 15 minutes long. I actually worried that I may run out of gas, but I didn’t want to stop until I saw where it came out. Well, it didn’t. It just ended.
This is new to me on the streets! The biggest one put his head down and started charging at me 🙂 I also watched her/him chase a dog away.
True Thai living. Loving it! I decided this road would be where I take any future visitors to train on the scooter 🙂
Been working with regular students only, thinking that would cut back on my Cambly Conversational English time, but it has not. I am booked and having a blast! Today one of my students set the camera up and cooked for me. Showing me traditional Chinese cooking, looking up all the terminology to translate to me along the way. Bitter Gourd was a new vegetable for me. She explained the philosophy of how meat used to be a symbol of wealth in China, but now eating healthier is, so the price of vegetables has gone up. Oh the things I learn doing this very fun job.
I also now own my own TPG fans!! Working my weekends on a towel project with Paul who has been with me my entire SKL career. More importantly he was my dinner date annually in Germany and introduced me to Weisbaden! So I am back in my color world and having fun pairing up with Courtney, a cad operator out of NYC who is my right hand helping my ideas come to life.
I saw these cutie pie ceramics when Traci and I were in Phuket Town, but they were ….not 10$ so I had to think about it. Well I couldn’t get them out of my mind. I don’t know why but they needed to live with me. So I went back and took them home 🙂
By chance I stumbled into a new- to -me cafe called Gallery Cafe. Rightfully named. David (Virlane’s son) and I were going to meet at Amore (my favorite margarita place) but they were closed. So then I picked another place and it was closed. The Universe was not with me. But found this joint which was not new to David. I’ll be hitting this spot again- amazing pineapple-basil-honey-lime smoothie. Why does the US stick bananas in everything and ruin it?
Artistic decor.
Games on the table and couches to settle in. Reminded me a little of Yellow Springs Ohio, Art for sale on every wall.
I didn’t leave the condo today until 9 pm and only managed to because one of my students had the flu and cancelled. I took the opportunity to take Tia on a beer run. Promising myself an adventure tomorrow in between reservations.
The vehicles you find on the roadways here is a constant form of entertainment. I’ve been collecting photos to try to explain the variety of what you may find here while driving. So different from what we are used to seeing. I imagine the most interesting thing in the US would be the occasional Amish horse and buggy. But here, anything with or without a motor goes. And lanes are just guidelines. Everyone simply takes them as suggestions.
Driving Tia, my beloved used scooter, has given me such insight to the fact that chaos actually works. Traffic here would be a thousand times worse if the scooters had to follow all the same rules as the cars, or if cars were forced to stay in their lanes. I have occasionally driven Tia on sidewalks following the others as they maneuver in and out.
There is a place designated up front at a red light for scooters to gather. They expect scooters to make their way to the front and not be mixed in with the cars at the turn of the traffic signal. The cars understand this and accept it. On google maps there is even a scooter transportation option, because that would be a different time to your destination vs a car. All so entertaining to me.
These are called TukTuks. They are fun cabs where you ride in the open back part. There are usually loud speakers blasting music and flashing lights in the back. Notice the cute michelin men on top. Tuk tuks run on similar motors as scooters and struggle up and down the hills.
This is a local bus. They tend to be very slow but are also only about 1$ to ride.
A favorite for locals and European tourists.
Yep there are insane bicyclists here. They share the roads with everyone else. As if we don’t have enough to keep our eyes looking out for! These guys are insane or have a death wish or both.
Scooters rule the roads! Interestingly children are not required to wear helmets. Adults are but about 50% of them do.
I think the max is 5 people I have seen on the motor scooters. The most frightening thing is when they are holding infants. Freaks me out every time. The other scary thing about scooters is when they drive down the wrong side of the roads. It makes my heart jump . But I have to admit I have done it a time or two.
Yep why not? A tractor pulling a jet ski. Check out the guy o the back riding along.
Scooters with side cars are the best. They can be piled high like this one or be filled with children riding home from school! Or an entire kitchen as I showed in previous posts!
Mega buses filled with Chinese tourists are by far the most frightening to drive Tia beside. These guys are the beasts of the roads and have no mercy.
Truck loaded with you name it! ANYTHING. But during rush hour it’s mostly just filled to the max with standing workers. You can imagine being behind something like this, where debris is flying off at you. I can’t imagine riding without a helmet or even a helmet without a face mask.
Elephants are the best!
What I have learned driving here is patience. Everyone is chill. Nobody is cutting you off, or honking their horns. (unless there’s a Buddhist temple in which they are just asking the spirits for safe passage) I have seen elephants, goats, large lizards, chickens and many dogs in the roads. But no small animals of any sort which is odd. No road kill like you find in The States.
I never thought I could drive on the opposite side of the road or drive a scooter on the highways. It just goes to show you, you don’t know until you try. I am having a blast discovering new things about myself living in Phuket.
We were looking for a show close by given Traci’s dislike for the scooter and our lack of motivation to be too active today. The cabaret shows all had terrible reviews. We were thinking we could look past it, but then found a show that had a 4.5 review and was right around the corner. It’s a classic traditional show tying the culture and history of Thailand together. We really didn’t know what to expect.
Seriously was spectacular. Best way to describe it would be a Cirque de Soleil type show with activity everywhere and constant scenery changes. Talent of the dancers were not that impressive but the costumes and creativity were better than a Broadway hit in my opinion. A river even appeared, deep enough for an actor to jump into. It even poured down rain in the theater. No photos were allowed at the show sadly because I was dying to capture it.
They mimicked hell and heaven in such a way you felt it. I can’t begin to explain. Just beautifully done. So glad I went. Outside of the theater was an outdoor park to walk around with Thai shops which Traci closed down after the show while making purchasing decisions.
Outside the show was this beautiful dragon fountain.
Behind the show was a pond with radiating lights on the foliage. Serene. A beautiful evening.Displaying royalty.
Looking her glamorous self!
Check out the size of these guys!
Mural inside the theater.
After the show the actors were outside so we were able to take a few photos showing their costumes!
I was chosen from the audience to put a floating lotus into the river. I said a quick prayer to my mom and dad thanking them for my opportunity to experience Thailand. Giving them credit for the freedom they left me and independence they raised me under.
Loving these! The tops are all beaded.
Their feathers lit up also. I would love to see this show again. There were so many artistic moments.
Part of the village outside.
Traci thought it was pointless to take off her helmet so she went to the ATM and into 7/11 wearing it. She was cracking me up.
It’s so much more fun having a partner in crime to party with here. Love having Traci out for a visit. Such a trooper travelling half way around the world to see me! I took full advantage of having someone to drink with and against her better judgement we adventured down the infamous Bangla Road in Patong after the clouds interrupted our Friday night sunset view.
Went in to watch this band rock it out. We were dancing in our chairs.
I’ve always wanted to go into this place, to see what it was about. Girls are dancing by the poles but honestly look bored to death. Then out came an acrobat who did some amazing acts using a ring hanging from the ceiling. Traci just kept saying, what if that was your daughter up there dancing.
We jumped in a tuk tuk as it started to rain and headed home. I thought Traci was going to fall out of the back when we were going up the sharp hills and curves.
So photogenic.
Needless to say, we slept in very late after that Patong adventure. Saturday night I was dragging her out again to the Half Moon Paradise Beach party. I bought tickets in advance. Not sure what they included but ended up with 4 free drinks, a token neon tee and a locker to put our purses in.
Zoe and Sedona would love this type of party. I think Traci and I were a tad out of the age group there, but nonetheless danced and rocked it out with the best of them! Such an international group. I literally had to turn my back on an arrogant Saudi guy who wasn’t used to a woman telling him to fuck off. I know way too much now about the Saudi culture from my Cambly conversations. This guy studied in Dayton, Ohio- or possibly lied about that to engage in conversation.
People were lined up to get body painted in neon to match their tees.
Was a beautiful night. There were staff members guarding the beach, making sure no one went for a swim.
Okay check out this dude from Jersey Shore! He was such a character! I think he was from Dubai. Guido at its finest. By the end of the night his shirt was off. He was wearing short shorts trimmed in contract color like the style from the 70’s. You couldn’t create this character if you tried. I had to snap a photo. I felt like he was missing a gold chain.
Their mixed drinks were poured into buckets that you drank from. Traci saw the staff members digging them out of the trash. You can’t un-see that. But let’s just hope they rinse them out before reuse. Hers looked pretty worn.
Palms were even lit up in neon.
They had devil nurses selling shots.
And equal rights is alive here with male dancers as well as female. Yes please!
Toes in the sand, drink in the hand.
Selfie shot. Having a blast.
Then they started a fire show.
Honestly I did not want to get that close. We could feel the heat from way back! And I’m pretty sure they don’t have regulations and safety standards in place.
Guess it was actually a half moon party. Was pretty cool when they lit this sign up.
They had different DJs rotate throughout the night.
Traci wrote my name in the sand. Think we were getting tipsy at this point.
As soon as we got to load onto the bus to take us back, it started to pour down rain! The bus was totally rowdy and they were singing Jingle Bells. I guess because it’s the only universal song all these different people knew? So cool how people find ways to communicate and find similarities when language is a barrier.
We walked in the rain to find a tuk tuk home and of course had to stop in for one more drink. (Truth be known I had to pee.) This guitar player literally was flipping amazing!!! People from the audience were bowing to him. He deserved it.
I honesty was so glad to listen to him play. He was so nonchalant about it too. A true artist. I love when my night ends with unexpected bonuses.
Sunshine Cokecoke hooked Traci and I up on a private long-tail boat to check out the famous Phang Nga Islands. Was an overcast day. Our boat broke down- but no complaints. It was stunning! I have so many photos to share. It was extremely relaxing and worth the extra $ to go privately and not with a big group. Although Traci HATES being on the scooter and we had to drive 35 minutes some parts in heavy traffic, to get to the port. She asked how much it was to rent a car, “just curious- she said 🙂 She had a pina colada before hopping on the ride back.
Doesn’t get better than this, really.
This was part of the James Bond Island. We decided not to get off and fight the crowds. We just drove around to view it.
The rocks are seriously fascinating. The way they drip into formation and all are colored differently. The waters close to the rock read green from the limestone.
This is Sunshine.
Abandoned ship. Not sure why they keep it there. Tried to google search it, but no luck.
We were able to get quite close because we were on a smaller boat.
Our captain, Mr. Poo. Check out that small beach behind him. I told the captain he could drop me off there when my boyfriend visits. Not sure where we would end up if the tide came in 🙂
We gracefully hopped off our long- tail boat and boarded a canoe. The guide rowed us into the most beautiful caves where we literally had to lay down on the canoe to squeeze through.
This view as looking up.
These are the caves we would go into.
Here I was trying to capture the magnitude of the rocks by taking a photo with the canoes. Can you even see the canoes.
The best adventure.
You never knew what you would see on the other side once you came out.
I tried to reach out and keep one of the rocks from clipping my head and the guide kindly told me not to touch them, explaining that they were very sharp. He told me “he’s got this”- meaning not to question his canoeing skills.
So amazing once you come out into a different landscape.
Yes we squeezed through that hole.
There is nothing like this that I know of in The States.
Another view looking up. LOVE was everywhere.
This rock formation looked like a fish. I now know why they use this fish motif on tee shirts etc.
Heading back. You can tell by our boat’s spirit ties that we are now on a new one.
Typical to Phuket, the clouds drifted and the blue skies surfaced.
Mr B the man in charge of the long-tail boats we were on. They drove the boat right up into the sand and we got off. Ended up being such a gorgeous day!!!
We ended the night watching the sunset.
We both got a little sunburnt.
Such a great night. Didn’t end here either. I dragged her ass out to Bangla Road in Patong. (Had to explain the pingpong show to her) But will save that for another blog or combine it with my full moon party report. Heading there tonight. Goes from 7 pm til 4 am at Paradise Beach!! Doubt we will make it past midnight but planning a nap today to muster up the energy.
My electricity was due to be off from 1-4pm today, which means no air conditioning on a hot day. I needed an escape. Wasn’t sure what I was in the mood for, but we all know discovering new places gives me an easy high, so I set out to explore a place on the island I have not yet been to. I haven’t been here before, mostly because there are no beaches, so wasn’t quite sure what there would be to see.
This is a northern tip of the island that seems quite untouched by tourism. Was only about 35 minutes from my condo.
On the way to the pier, it started to rain. Of all days I thought. So I pulled over for a beautiful cup of coffee.
In typical Phuket style, the rain hardly made it to the ground, and by the time I finished my drink, skies were beautiful blue again!
Stopped at the Ao Po pier and met a Rastafarian named, wait for it……Sunshine Cokecoke. We of course exchanged numbers. He may set Traci and I up on a private tour and also find me a job on an island across the way. He was super fun! Kept saying “Man everything’s going to be awlright”.
Ao Po Pier. Not very busy due to the off season.
Captured this guy fishing. It’s how they do it here. Just thigh high with nets.
Boats parked out in the water. Look at that view!
I don’t know why but I like this photo capturing the fishing boats on shore being repaired and the pier off in the distance.
The sky continues to be such a beautiful blue. Long tail boats with their spirit ties in the front.
I needed gas because I knew I was heading next on an adventure in the middle of the jungle. So I finally stopped at one of these bottled gas shops. I was finding the humor in the gas positioned right in front of the eggs. Talk about merchandising! There was a Muslim woman running the shop. She asked me my name and asked where I was from. When I told her the United States, she said she didn’t understand. So then I said America” and she said “really?!!” and then checked me out sizing me up and down. I wasn’t sure what to make of that. Did she think I didn’t look American? Or maybe never saw one before?
Houses here are so colorful.
John Mellencamp’s Pink Houses alive and well in Phuket!
Full tank of gas….heading to the marina and another viewpoint! I love my wandering days. I hope you all are enjoying adventuring with me in blog spirit!
Such an important personal subject. My friends mean the world to me and was one of the hardest things to consider (besides family) when deciding to move to Thailand. Keeping in touch with my friends via this blog, marco polo, and other apps has saved my sanity many times. My friends continue to be there for me at my lowest points and help encourage me along this journey. Explaining what this means is beyond words in my vocabulary and never, ever, will they be replaceable.
I met a few friends here that you have read about. Min and Mimi- from the Art C hotel. Local residents here. Their hotel is closing next April, the owner is selling. It was the saddest news to me. My launching pad. My first two connections here. Not sure where they will end up. I am hopeful we will continue to keep in touch, but it will be different. I won’t be able to just pop into their hotel and chat casually over coffee.
Barbara, my second friend I met who introduced me to Cambly and shared some fantastic lunches and outings with, is moving to Vietnam. Her retirement visa got denied because she left the country to go to Portugal while the visa was processing.
Virlane has been a true midwestern connection for me. She’s authentic and adventurous, following her instincts through life. Hitting quite a few hard lessons along the way which we all can relate to. She read my cards again today using a new deck.’ I wonder if you can guess who these are about. She is travelling to China for a month where she will be using these decks to help children learn and grow in their communication.
Virlane showed me her visa photo which I find hilarious. They basically take a photo of you and then photoshop your head into the outfit. She said even her son has the same shirt and jacket with his head plopped on.
Some views from Virlane’s apartment. She is on the 15th floor.
Showing the true living in Phuket Town.
So true.
So remember Jason? The Malaysian relator I met at the last expat party over a month ago. I gave up hope of reconnecting with him. I loved his energy and knew from meeting him he would be such a fun person to get to know. Well, he texted me out of the blue and invited me to a luncheon with 7 of his other expat friends. I was thrilled! A bit intimidated since they all have known each other for quite awhile now, and have lived in Phuket much longer than I have. But a fantastic opportunity to meet new people!
The guy sitting across from me ended up being from, I kid you not, Columbus, OHIO. He was a diver and trained with Greg Louganis. Such a small world! Loved him and his story. The other people were from the Netherlands, UK, & Australia. One gal ran a marathon that morning and won it here. She’s heading to Chicago for their marathon soon. Such a great new interesting mix! All appeared to be normal, open minded, full of tales -good hearted people. Jason said he’d let me know when they meet up again. 🙂
Next week TRACI SIPPEL is coming!!!!!! I can’t wait. We are going to tear up Phuket on our scooters!! I purchased a vacuum cleaner and a mattress pad for her comfort in my simple small condo. My rug has not been swept in 2 months….getting narly. Now I just have to figure out how to put the vacuum together!
My spa day finally arrived. Was looking forward to my four hours of pampering and taking the evening off! I headed out a hour ahead of time, to allow a little time to get lost. WELL LOST I GOT! Sometimes I literally hate google maps. “head southwest, head north, do a U turn, in 200 meters turn left (no road there) in 400 meters turn right…” I literally was driving in circles for a half a hour and was so flipping frustrated. Definitely was going to deserve that relaxation package by the time I got there.
Beautiful welcoming committee. (yes I made them pose, and they were happy to!)
Stunning plant life displays.
Can you imagine making this out of leaves?
Was off the beaten path with only one hotel nearby.
But man was it ever gorgeous!
The below was my package. (I literally smelled like cereal after the body scrub 🙂 Right now I am so smooth—like butter! A damn shame nobody is here to touch it, I have never been this soft! The body wrap I have never experienced before. They wrapped me up in saran wrap. Little bit reminded me of American Psycho, when he had the plastic on the floor before he executed the guy. I was beginning to wonder what they were going to do with my body.
You can just imagine what this smelled and felt like! So cooling and fresh. A literal cucumber mask. I asked her to grab my purse and take a picture. Pretty certain she thought I was nuts- but she straightened out the towels and took pride in snapping this shot! My face feels AMAZING!
This was the lady that took care of me all afternoon. She nearly killed me with her massage skills which were much needed to work the kinks out of my back and legs. I literally was telling myself in my head that a bone would not break with her pressure. Check out how high up we were.
Afterwards I decided to head the opposite direction from which I came to see what I could discover. I was due for an adventure. The red line is where I drove poor Tia, through chickens and dogs, gravel roads then dirt, to eventually turn around and head back to civilization.
This is what I found down that road. Lots of local housing among the jungle mountains. The sun was starting to set and I was running low on gas so my sensibility got the best of me.
Was such a luxurious treat today. I have honestly never been pampered this way in my life. A thousand thank yous to Justin for being so dang thoughtful and always being there for me. Even with me half way around the world!
Tonya Takes Thailand 